Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 313,396	$ 230,277
Cash received for interest	3,406	4,153
Cash paid for income taxes	1,001	46,438
Capitalized interest	236,570	191,651
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock		24,984
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		$ 3,262
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Initial equity component of the 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024, net of deferred taxes of $91,485	160,896
Deferred taxes	$ 91,485
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") | 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.375%		2.375%